Origami principle in space deployable membrane structures: Mechanism, application and prospects

The rapid advancements in satellite technology have been inextricably bound up with the support provided by sophisticated space folding mechanisms. In addition, with the rapid progression of space technology, satellite technology is evolving towards higher performance and lighter-weight configurations. The high performance is manifested in the diversification and complexity of future space missions such as remote sensing, communication, and navigation, which require advanced satellite solar arrays, antennas, and other payloads. Consequently, from a mission-oriented perspective, it is imperative that payloads possess a larger deployment size to enhance their operational capabilities. However, the trend towards lightweight satellite platform design is evident in the miniaturization of such systems. Spacecraft such as microsatellites, characterized by their low mass, small volume, and cost-effectiveness, have seen rapid adoption. However, these small satellite platforms are inherently constrained by their volume and weight, limiting their ability to carry large payloads. This presents a design challenge, as the requirements for high-power missions clash with the constraints of miniaturized platforms, necessitating innovative approaches in designing deployable mechanisms.

In a recent article featured in the Chinese Journal of Aeronautics (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cja.2025.103831), Mr. Junhao Wu from National University of Defense Technology proposed a new review article on space deployable membrane structures using origami principle to develop its performance, which is expected to break through the above-mentioned space deployable mechanisms.

“The ancient art of origami can inspire the design of space deployment mechanisms,” said Mr. Junhao Wu, “this innovation holds significant importance for enhancing satellite performance.” The space deployable membrane structure is based on the principles of origami and comprises two primary components: the flexible origami membrane and the deployable mechanism. The flexible membrane, which is equipped with functional elements, can be folded and unfolded following the folds dictated by the principles of origami. The deployable mechanism, in contrast, is responsible for providing the requisite drive and support for the membrane’s folding movements, leveraging the characteristics of origami principles.

The authors focus on analyzing the space deployable membrane structure from the perspective of origami. They introduced the various crease types with different motion dimensions, folding characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and optimization methods. Furthermore, they presented the deployable mechanisms’ structures, principles, and performance characteristics in three unfolding spatial dimensions. Based on the preceding works, they reviewed the application of the origami principle to spacecraft, and analyzed the development trend. “Our research analyzes the optimization of space deployable mechanisms through origami principles from a novel perspective,” said Mr. Junhao Wu.

The authors believe that origami principle has several advantages, including large folding ratio and geometric transformation ability. However, existing space origami deployable membrane structures have been limited in their application of origami principles, with the focus being on increasing the deployed area and reducing structural dimensions. This approach does not fully leverage the performance advantages inherent in origami principles. “The exploitation of the geometric reconfigurability and scalability of origami needs to be improved,” said Mr. Junhao Wu, “efforts should be also made to strengthen the application advantages in multimode operation and clustering.” The expected origami principle can provide space deployable structures in creative functional features in the future.

Original Source

Junhao WU, Kangjia FU, Sunquan YU, et al. Origami principle in space deployable membrane structures: Mechanism, application and prospects[J]. Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cja.2025.103831

About Chinese Journal of Aeronautics 

Chinese Journal of Aeronautics (CJA) is an open access, peer-reviewed international journal covering all aspects of aerospace engineering, monthly published by Elsevier. The Journal reports the scientific and technological achievements and frontiers in aeronautic engineering and astronautic engineering, in both theory and practice. CJA is indexed in SCI (IF = 5.7, Q1), EI, IAA, AJ, CSA, Scopus.